**Ugo Monye Selects Four Welsh Players for British & Irish Lions Tour, Sees Japan Series as Welsh Rugby Lifeline**
Former England international and widely respected rugby pundit, Ugo Monye, has voiced support for four Welsh players he feels are deserving of a place in this year’s British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. Speaking ahead of Andy Farrell’s highly anticipated squad announcement, Monye appeared keen to highlight individual talent in the Welsh ranks, even as the national team finds itself in the midst of a troubling run of form.
The Lions, a fabled side that unites the best of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, will be named on Thursday, and for Wales, representation is set to be at a historic low not seen since 1993. The drop reflects a record losing streak of 17 matches — and frustration, both public and private, with the team’s performance. However, Monye is adamant: “There’s some outstanding players in that Wales squad despite national performances.”
Central in Monye’s reckoning is Welsh captain Jac Morgan, whom he describes as “brilliant”. Morgan’s leadership and work rate have impressed across a difficult period for his country, although Monye cautiously points out that the back row is one of the tour’s most fiercely contested areas. “Whoever Farrell picks, you’ll nod your head and agree—and those left out are still Lions quality,” Monye explains, underlining the difficulty selection poses.
Another player making Monye’s shortlist is Dewi Lake. Despite a late return in the Six Nations, Lake has made an impression with his size, hunger, and leadership skills. Also picked out for praise are Dafydd Jenkins and scrum-half Tomos Williams, completing the four Welshmen Monye believes could be embarking on the Lions’ latest adventure. Monye acknowledges there will be debate, but stands by his choices.
Adding intrigue, Monye also notes the potential of Scarlets and Wales full-back Blair Murray to be a ‘bolter’—a surprise pick—on the trip down under. Citing his eye-catching Six Nations form, Monye praises Murray’s attacking flair: “His counter-attacking threat—how did he not score a hat-trick against England on the final day?” Monye describes the young full-back as “extremely exciting” and stresses that selection is about more than past caps or experience, but about “what you can show on the day.”
Despite Welsh rugby’s current malaise, including Warren Gatland stepping aside and yet another search for a new head coach by the WRU, Monye remains steadfastly positive about the future. “It’s often darkest before the dawn,” he says, advising that this nadir may yet prove to be “ground zero” for the nation’s rebirth. The appointment of Dave Reddin as director of rugby, and the hunt for a new head coach, are signs, Monye insists, that every detail is under scrutiny — right down to flower budgets at the Principality Stadium.
Monye suggests that Wales’ upcoming summer tour of Japan could inject much needed optimism and energy. With the national side desperate for a spark to rebuild morale, Monye contends this tour could help establish momentum and rebuild confidence. “Hopefully that brings a level of positivity and they can build some wins to get some confidence,” he says.
The former British & Irish Lion also notes that all nations experience low periods, though Wales’ current slide feels particularly acute. Still, Monye urges fans and administrators alike to take heart from the rigorous organisation now being undertaken at every level, and to remember that sporting cycles are inevitable.
As anticipation builds for Thursday’s Lions squad announcement, Monye’s considered advocacy for Welsh involvement shows the high regard in which individual talent from the troubled side is still held. Whether his chosen four make the final cut, and whether a successful tour of Japan can spark a Welsh revival, will soon be revealed. For now, there remains cautious optimism that Welsh rugby’s fortunes may yet be turning — both at home and on the grandest of touring stages.